AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 to salute Wild Boars Football Academy players

sports January 06, 2019 06:22

By AFC

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Abu Dhabi - Representatives from Wild Boars Football Academy, who captured the world’s attention when they were miraculously rescued from a flooded cave in July 2018, have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness their Thai football idols in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

Three Wild Boars players as well as their assistant coach, will see Thailand’s opening game against India at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the invitation from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

There will also be a meet and greet for the group with their national heroes and they will receive a behind-the-scenes stadium tour before experiencing VIP access during what promises to be a decisive contest.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “The courage and perseverance of the 12 teenagers and their coach under extremely challenging conditions were a source of inspiration for millions of people across the world.

“Now we have an opportunity to continue this remarkable fairy-tale. Football has the power to bring hope and joy to people of all backgrounds and nationalities and the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 is the ultimate platform on which to celebrate the unity and diversity of our Continent.

“I am confident that the presence of the Wild Boars Academy players will make for an even more memorable tournament and will inspire them to continue their incredible footballing journey.

“During their terrible 18-day ordeal, they demonstrated the power of unity and teamwork and, in the end, they thankfully overcame all the challenges that they faced.”

The invitation is part of a larger two-year support programme from the AFC to the Wild Boars, which will see the club receive technical support as well as training equipment and 100 Molten match balls a year.